Composition and method for delivery of bmp-2 amplifier/co-activator for enhancement of osteogenesis

ABSTRACT

A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a linker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor and an osteoconductive material where the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/452,304 filed Aug. 5, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/186,165 filed Jul. 19, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,796,212), which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/767,391 filed Jun. 22, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,981,862), which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/805,594 filed Jun. 22, 2006, the specification of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to compositions that result in enhanced osteogenesis across a broad range of bony repair indications and methods of using the compositions in a delivery vehicle for improved repair of bony lesions.

The U.S. published application 2005/0196425 to Zamora et al. entitled. “Positive modulator of BMP-2” teaches a compound comprising a bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) analogue which is useful to repair bone lesions and a method in which the compound can augment endogenous or exogenously added BMP-2 activity. It further teaches that there are a number of commercially available bone graft substitutes that are osteoconductive that the BMP-2 modulator compounds could modify. The osteoconductive materials included a number of calcium phosphate containing composites. The compound is an additive to bone matrix or bone graft materials or controlled or associated with drug delivery devices among others. US 2005/0196425, however, does not disclose peptide and osteoconductive formulations that permit efficient peptide binding to osteoconductive materials, controlled differential release through manipulating the osteoconductive composition, manipulating the peptide composition, concentration of the compound attached thereto, and/or manipulating the calcium sulfate concentration. For this application, the positive modulator of BMP-2 will be referred to as the co-activator/amplifier.

Osteoconduction can be described as the process of forming bone on a graft material that is placed into a void in a bony environment. Broadly speaking osteoconduction means that bone grows on a surface. Osteoconduction requires a scaffold for cells to move into the graft site and produce bone. Scaffold materials can be categorized into four types: allograft bone, natural polymers (hyaluronates, fibrin, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, collagen, etc.), synthetic polymers (polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA)), and inorganic materials (e.g. hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), calcium sulfate (CaS)). A number of synthetic osteoconductive bone graft materials have been developed for purposes of filling boney voids. These graft materials, however, are only osteoconductive and provide a scaffold for viable bone healing, including ingrowth of neovasculature and the infiltration of osteogenic precursor cells into the graft site.

Osteoinduction is the process by which osteogenesis is induced and is a process regularly seen in any type of bone healing. Osteoinduction implies the recruitment of immature cells and the stimulation of these cells to develop into preosteoblasts. In a bone healing environment, the majority of bone healing is dependent on osteoinduction. This process is typically associated with the presence of bone growth factors (principally bone morphogenic proteins) within the bone healing environment.

Osteoinduction can be influenced by a number of proteins or growth factors, growth or new blood vessels (angiogenesis). These proteins cause healing bone to vascularize, mineralize, and function mechanically. They can induce mesenchymal-derived cells to differentiate into bone cells. The proteins that enhance bone healing include the bone morphogenetic proteins, insulin-like growth factors, transforming growth factors, platelet derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor among others. The most well-known of these proteins are the BMPs which induce mesenchymal cells to differentiate into bone cells. Other proteins influence bone healing in different ways. Transforming growth factor and fibroblast growth factor regulate angiogenesis and can influence bone formation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Extracellular matrix molecules such as osteonectin, fibronectin, osteonectin, laminin, and osteocalcin promote cell activation, cell attachment and facilitate cell migration.

While any healing bone lesion is an osteoinductive environment, not all osteoinductive environments (bone lesions) have the ability to undergo a full or complete healing. This has led to the use of recombinant bone morphogenic proteins to induce osteoinduction in graft materials thereby to induce stem cells to differentiate into mature bone cells.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,641 to Rueger et al. demonstrates any number of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and growth factors combined with a number of scaffolds (including HA and TCP) and a binder for bone repair. These graft materials are, however, expensive and can lead to exuberant or ectopic bone production.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,251 Dalal et al. discloses a beta Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) particle with any number of BMPs and/or a binder (CMC, Hyaluronate, etc.) for bone repair.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,332 Rueger et al. discloses 0TCP as an osteoconductive material with any number of bioactive agents combined therewith, for example BMP-2. The bioactive agent is dispersed in a biocompatible, non-rigid amorphous carrier having no defined surfaces, wherein said carrier is selected from the group consisting of poloxamers; gelatins; polyethylene glycols (PEG); dextrans; and vegetable oils.

A commercially available product for periodontal bone repair, GEM-21S™, utilizes a β-TCP granule coated with platelet derived growth factor “PDGF.” Saito et al. (JBMR 77A:700-6 (2006)) utilized the 73-92 peptide derived from 73-92 of the BMP-2 knuckle epitope. This peptide was coated on aTCP (OCTCP) cylinders and implanted in 20 mm long defects. Konishi et al. (J. Spine Disorders & Tech.) and Minamide et al. (Spine 2001 26(8):933-9) demonstrated BMP combined with hydroxyapatite granules for lumbar fusion.

Delivery of small molecules (such as peptides) for therapeutic indications is usually accomplished by various encapsulation technologies—microspheres, for example, in which the molecule is encapsulated in a vesicle which degrades over time to release the peptide. Delivery of a small molecule from the surface of a medical device has been challenging as small molecules rarely have physical properties that provide sufficient binding properties to a biomaterial surface. Often, the peptide is covalently attached to the surface in an effort to prevent rapid release (Saito et al., J. Biomed Mater Res 70A:115-121 (2004; Seol Y-J et al., J. Biomed. Mater Res (A) (2006)) (Varkey et al., Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. 2004 November; 1(1):19-36. Growth factor delivery for bone repair, Varkey et al.). One drawback of covalent crosslinks is the molecule is unable to release and influence the surrounding osteoconductive environment.

The delivery kinetics and quantities of a synthetic compound comprising a BMP-2 amplifier/co-activator may be specifically tailored to the indication of choice. It should be recognized that after a bony lesion is made, there is a reparative response that results in the cellular production of BMP-2, and furthermore, that this production occurs over a given time sequence with an upregulation period eventually followed by downregulation. Niikura et al. (2006 ORS, #1673) measured BMP-2 production over time in standard fractures and non-unions in rats and demonstrated less BMP-2 production in non-unions than in standard fractures and increasing amounts of BMP-2 up to 21 days followed by a decline in expression at 28 days. BMP-2 expression has been detected in the human fracture callus (Kloen et al., 2003, 362-371). Furthermore, Murnaghan et al. (JOR 2005, 23:625-631) demonstrated in a mouse fracture trial that BMP-2 administered to the fracture at day 0 or 4 produced greater repair than that introduced at day 8. It should be noted that in this case BMP-2 is timed with the production of stem cells that can be differentiated to bone and is not timed with endogenous BMP-2 production.

A synthetic growth factor identified as B2A2-K-NS was first disclosed by Zamora et al. in U.S. patent application titled Positive Modulator of Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 having Ser. No. 11/064,039 filed Feb. 22, 2005 in addition to disclosing various other peptides. However, it was not disclosed to combine the synthetic growth factor with an osteoconductive material as a composition for treating bone lesions.

There is, therefore, a need for a composition which can act as a bone void filler material and which is comprised of a synthetic growth factor analogue which can act as an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction, and which can attached to and released from an osteoconductive material to enhance boney repair and healing processes.

There are also number of surgical procedures in orthopedics wherein augmentation of bone repair would be particularly beneficial including fusion procedures including those of the spine and ankle; in filling the voids in bones resultant from traumatic injury; in the treatment of non-unions; fracture healing in all skeletal elements; in fixation of internal hardware such as rods, plates, screws, and the like; in concert with spinal cages or vertebral body replacements; and in the augmentation of implanted wedges, pedicle screws, or rings. These types of procedures and the associated hardware would be known to those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention describes compositions that result in enhanced osteogenesis across a broad range of bony repair indications and wherein a synthetic growth factor analogue attached to and released from an osteoconductive material acts as an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction and results in enhanced boney repair and healing processes. Alternatively, the synthetic growth factor analogue is affixed to the osteoconductive material and is not released.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a delivery vehicle containing the following components: an osteoconductive scaffold and a synthetic growth factor analogue acting as an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction; wherein the scaffold is capable of binding and releasing the synthetic growth factor, and preferably at a rate that coincides with the presence of endogenous BMP-2.

In another aspect of the invention the correct release parameters of the synthetic growth factor analogue is related to the type of bone lesion and results in enhanced osteogenesis. The delivery kinetics and quantities of a synthetic growth factor analogue may be specifically tailored to the indication of choice. For example if the synthetic growth factor analogue is intended to augment the activity of endogenous BMP-2, delivery characteristics in a fracture repair should require a more rapid delivery as compared to a spine fusion in which a much slower delivery over a much longer period would likely be preferred.

In that regard, it should be recognized that after a bony lesion is made, there is a reparative response that results in the cellular production of BMP-2, and, furthermore, that this production occurs over a given time. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the quantity of endogenous BMP-2 produced is dependent upon many factors including the surface area of injured bony tissue, the number of viable osteoblast cells, the rate of repair, etc. Non-critical size defects have sufficient reparative cells and BMP-2 to repair the defect without an exogenous biomaterial. Furthermore, small, segmental fractures may produce a much greater amount of host BMP-2 relative to the defect volume than larger defects that have less bony surface area.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising a synthetic growth factor peptide analogue comprising a non-growth factor heparin binding region, a liker and a sequence that binds specifically to a cell surface receptor; and an osteoconductive material comprising one or more of an inorganic material, a synthetic polymer, a natural polymer, an allograft bone, or combination thereof, wherein the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

A composition comprising a synthetic growth factor analogue of Formula II:

wherein:

-   -   X is a peptide chain that (i) has a minimum of three amino acid         residues, (ii) has a maximum of about fifty amino acid residues,         and (iii) binds specifically to a cell surface receptor;     -   R₁ is independently hydrogen, such that the terminal group is         NH₂, an acyl group with a linear or branched C1 to C₁₇ alkyl,         aryl, heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or is amino acid, a dipeptide, or a tripeptide with         an N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group;     -   R₆ is independently a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about         15 backbone atoms covalently bonded to R₅ when the linker is         greater than 0 atoms;     -   R₅ is a trifunctional alpha amino acid residue, wherein X is         covalently bonded through a side chain of R6;     -   R₄ is OH such that the terminal group is a carboxyl, NH₂, an         acyl group with a linear or branched C₁ to C 17 alkyl, aryl,         heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or NH-R₁;     -   Y is a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about 50 backbone         atoms covalently bonded to R₅ and Z; and     -   Z is a non-signaling peptide chain that includes a heparin         binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that         comprises (i) a minimum of one heparin binding motif, (ii) a         maximum of about ten heparin binding motifs, and (iii) a maximum         of about thirty amino acids; and

an osteoconductive material comprising one or more of an inorganic material, synthetic polymer, natural polymers, allograft bone, or combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the synthetic growth factor analogue is attached to and can be released from the osteoconductive material and is an amplifier/co-activator of osteoinduction.

In another aspect of the invention, the synthetic growth factor analogue that is attached to and released from an osteoconductive material is the peptide B2A2-K-NS. B2A2-K-NS acts as an amplifier/co-activator of BMP-2 and via that processes amplifies osteoinduction and results in enhanced boney repair and healing processes. B2A2-K-NS is of the following sequence:

AISMLYLDENEKVVLKK(AISMLYLDENEKVVLK)HxHxHxRKRLDRIAR NH₂.

B2A2-K-NS binds to inorganic granules including 100% hydroxyapatite (HA) and biphasic compositions of HA, for example, 20:80 (HA:TCP) and 60:40 (HA:TCP) but not limited thereto. B2A2-K-NS also binds to organic material (for example, collagen sponge). B2A2-K-NS is released at different rates from several inorganic granules. The magnitude of peptide release is altered by peptide concentration and/or by the peptide amino acid composition. For example, widely distributed positive charges on the peptide results in less release (e.g. more tightly bound peptide) than peptide that lacked broad positive charge distribution. Importantly, a rabbit spine fusion study demonstrated that B2A2-K-NS bound to and released from a 20:80 (HA:TCP) granule and resulted in optimal release characteristics that enhanced endogenous BMP-2 activity, which resulted in enhanced bone formation and spine fusion.

In another aspect of the invention the synthetic growth factor analogue that is attached to and released from an osteoconductive material co-activators or amplifies or modifies a biological process such as blood vessel formation, inflammation, cell growth, cell binding to osteoconductive scaffold or chemotaxis that is related to bone formation. Similarly, others of Formulas I and II which include embodiments wherein the X region is all or a portion, or a homolog of all or a portion of SEQ ID NOs 7-19 but not limited thereto.

Additionally, the following synthetic growth factor analogues may so be used: B7A with the sequence as follows: VLYFDDSSNVILKKK(VLYFDDSSNVILKK)HxHxHxRKRKLERIAR-amide wherein Hx is aminohexanoic acid. B7A enhances BMP-2 activity by increasing activity of BMP-7 and BMP-2.

LA-2 which stimulates cell adhesion and migration may also be used and has the sequence as follows: SIKVAVAAK(H-SIKVAVAA)HxHxHxRKRKLERIAR-amide. Increasing the number of cells that bind to an osteoconductive scaffold would indirectly enhance the activity of endogenous BMP-2.

Also, F2A4-K-NS which induces blood vessel growth can be used to enhance bone formation. F2A is a peptide mimetic of basic FGF, and is also referred to as F2A. Both that peptide and bFGF have been previously demonstrated to enhance angiogenesis. Increasing angiogenesis has been previously demonstrated to enhance bone formation and thus would be expected to increase the bone formation activity of BMP-2 in concert. F2A4-K-NS has the sequence:

YRSRKYSSWYVALKRK(H-YRSRKYSSWYVALKR)HxHxHxRKRLDRI AR-amide

Similarly, the synthetic growth factor analogue VAS, which is a mimetic of vascular endothelial growth factor may so be used and has the following sequence:

WFLLTMAAK(WFLLTMAA)HxHxHxRKRKLERIAR-amide.

Also, the synthetic growth factor analogue SD-2, which mimics aspects of stromal derived growth factor-1, may be used to increase chemotaxis and localization of circulating progenitor cells to the bone lesion site. SD-2 has the sequence:

KWIQEYLEKK(KWIQEYLEK)HxHxHxRKRKLERIAR-amide.

This invention can also utilize other heparin binding growth factor analogues based on vascular endothelial growth factor which increase cell growth and be related to platelet derived growth factor or transforming growth factor-beta and the like which would act in accord with this invention to enhance osteoinduction and accelerate bone repair.

Similarly, synthetic growth factor analogues which bind directly to the BMP-2 or its receptor generally similar to B2A2-K-NS described herein, can also be used to amplify biological processes that increase bone formation. Release of these peptides would occur over the correct time so as to optimize this related biological process.

In another aspect of the invention the composition of this invention may be used with exogenously supplied osteoinductive agents. These osteoinductive agents can include demineralized bone matrix other form of allograft material.

In another aspect of the invention the composition of this invention may be used with exogenously supplied osteoinductive agents based on recombinant technologies. These recombinant osteoinductive agents include BMP-2, BMP-7 (OP-1), GDF-5 (MP-52), TGF-betal and others that are known to those skilled in the art.

In another aspect of the invention the composition of this invention may be used with autograft bone or bone marrow aspirate that is added with the bone replacement graft at the lesion site.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a graph of B2A2-K-NS release from inorganic granules according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates B2A2-K-NS release from different osteoconductive materials.

FIG. 3 illustrates B2A2-K-NS release over 28 days according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates B2A2-K-NS release at several concentrations from an osteoconductive material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates three different peptides released from an osteoconductive material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions: As used here and elsewhere, the following terms have the meanings given.

The term “a” as used herein means one or more.

The term “alkene” includes unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain one or more double carbon-carbon bonds. Examples of such alkene groups include ethylene, propene, and the like.

The term “alkenyl” includes a linear monovalent hydrocarbon radical of two to six carbon atoms or a branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical of three to six carbon atoms containing at least one double bond; examples thereof include ethenyl, 2-propenyl, and the like.

The “alkyl” groups specified herein include those alkyl radicals of the designated length in either a straight or branched configuration. Examples of such alkyl radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, iso-pentyl, hexyl, iso-hexyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” includes a monovalent or bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical of 6 to 12 ring atoms, and optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents selected from alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, halo, nitro, acyl, cyano, amino, monosubstituted amino, disubstituted amino, hydroxy, carboxyl, or alkoxy-carbonyl. Examples of an aryl group include phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, 1-naphthyl, and 2-naphthyl, derivatives thereof, and the like.

The term “aralkyl” includes a radical —R^(a)R^(b) where R^(a) is an alkylene (a bivalent alkyl) group and R^(b) is an aryl group as defined above. Examples of aralkyl groups include benzyl, phenylethyl, 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpentyl, and the like. The term “aliphatic” includes compounds with hydrocarbon chains, such as for example alkanes, alkynes, alkynes, and derivatives thereof.

The term “acyl” includes a group RCO—, where R is an organic group. An example is the acetyl group CH₃CO—.

A peptide or aliphatic moiety is “acylated” when an alkyl or substituted alkyl group as defined above is bonded through one or more carbonyl {—(C═O)—} groups. A peptide is most usually acylated at the N-terminus.

An “amide” includes compounds that have a trivalent nitrogen attached to a carbonyl group (—C(═O)NH₂).

An “amine” includes compounds that contain an amino group (—NH₂).

A “diamine amino acid” is an amino acid or residue containing two reactive amine groups and a reactive carboxyl group. Representative examples include 2,3-diamino propionyl amino acid, 2,4-diamino butylic amino acid, lysine, or ornithine.

The term “Hx” as used herein means aminohexanoic acid and is also sometimes abbreviated Ahx.

The term “homologous” as used herein refers to peptides that differ in amino acid sequence at one or more amino acid positions when the sequences are aligned. For example, the amino acid sequences of two homologous peptides can differ only by one amino acid residue within the aligned amino acid sequences of five to ten amino acids. Alternatively, two homologous peptides of ten to fifteen amino acids can differ by no more than two amino acid residues when aligned. In another alternative, two homologous peptides of fifteen to twenty or more amino acids can differ by up to three amino acid residues when aligned. For longer peptides, homologous peptides can differ by up to approximately 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% of the amino acid residues when the amino acid sequences of the two peptide homolog are aligned.

A “trifunctional amino acid” is an amino acid or residue with three reactive groups, one the N-terminal amine, a second the C-terminus carboxyl, and the third comprising all or a part of the side chain. Trifunctional amino acids thus include, by way of example only, diamine amino acids; amino acids with a reactive sulfhydryl group in the side chain, such as mercapto amino acids including cysteine, penicillamine, or 3-mercapto phenylalanine; amino acids with a reactive

The term “synthetic growth factor analogue” as used herein may be of Formula I or II. Each synthetic growth factor analogue of the invention contains two substantially similar sequences (homodimeric sequences) at X that are analogues of a particular growth factor that binds to a growth factor receptor that may be located on the cell surface, or alternatively that bind to a growth factor receptor without being an analogue of the cognate growth factor. The homodimeric sequences may be derived from any portion of a growth factor. The synthetic GROWTH FACTOR analogue may be an analogue of a hormone, a cytokine, a lymphokine, a chemokine or an interleukin, and may bind to any growth factor receptor, for any of the foregoing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for treatment of bone lesions comprises a synthetic growth factor analogue which acts as an amplifier/co-activator of endogenous BMP-2 and is of Formula I or II and is releasably attached to an osteoconductive material. The compound of Formula I:

wherein:

-   -   X is a peptide chain that (i) has a minimum of three amino acid         residues, (ii) has a maximum of about fifty amino acid residues,         and (iii) binds specifically to a specifically to a cell surface         receptor;     -   R₁ is independently hydrogen, such that the terminal group is         NH₂, an acyl group with a linear or branched C₁ to C₁₇ alkyl,         aryl, heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or is amino acid, a dipeptide, or a tripeptide with         an N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group;     -   R₂ is independently a trifunctional alpha amino acid residue,         wherein X is covalently bonded through a side chain of R_(2;)     -   R₃ is independently a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about         15 backbone atoms covalently bonded to R_(2;)     -   R₄ is OH such that the terminal group is a carboxyl, NH₂, an         acyl group with a linear or branched C₁ to C₁₇ alkyl, aryl,         heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or NH—R₁;     -   Y is a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about 50 backbone         atoms covalently bonded to R₂ and Z; and     -   Z is a non-signaling peptide chain that includes a heparin         binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that         comprises (i) a minimum of one heparin binding motif, (ii) a         maximum of about ten heparin binding motifs, and (iii) a maximum         of about thirty amino acids.

The compound may further comprise a linker that (i) is hydrophobic, (ii) comprises a chain of a minimum of about 9 and a maximum of about 50 backbone atoms, and (iii) is not found in Bone Morphogenic Protein-2. The compound may contain at R₂ an L- or D-diamine amino acid residue. In a preferred embodiment, the L- or D-diamine amino acid residue is 2,3-diamino propionyl amino acid, 2,4-diamino butylic amino acid, lysine, or ornithine.

In one embodiment, X is covalently bonded to R₂ and wherein the covalent bonds comprise an amide, disulfide, thioether, Schiff base, reduced Schiff base, imide, secondary amine, carbonyl, urea, hydrazone, or oxime bond. In a preferred embodiment, X is covalently bonded to R₃ when R₃>0 atoms and wherein the covalent bond comprises an amide, disulfide, thioether. Schiff base, reduced Schiff base, imide, secondary amine, carbonyl, urea, hydrazone or oxime bond. Y comprises a straight chain amino carboxylic acid.

The compound of Formula II comprising:

wherein:

-   -   X is a peptide chain that (i) has a minimum of three amino acid         residues, (ii) has a maximum of about fifty amino acid residues,         and (iii) binds specifically to a cell surface receptor;     -   R₁ is independently hydrogen, such that the terminal group is         NH₂, an acyl group with a linear or branched C₁ to C₁₇ alkyl,         aryl, heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or is amino acid, a dipeptide, or a tripeptide with         an N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group;     -   R₆ is independently a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about         15 backbone atoms covalently bonded to R₅, when the linker is         greater than 0 atoms;     -   R₅ is a trifunctional alpha amino acid residue, wherein X is         covalently bonded through a side chain of R₆;     -   R₄ is OH such that the terminal group is a carboxyl, NH₂, an         acyl group with a linear or branched C₁ to C₁₇ alkyl, aryl,         heteroaryl, alkene, alkenyl, or aralkyl chain including an         N-terminus NH₂, NH₃ ⁺, or NH group or a corresponding acylated         derivative, or NH—R₁;     -   Y is a linker comprising a chain from 0 to about 50 backbone         atoms covalently bonded to R₅ and Z; and     -   Z is a non-signaling peptide chain that includes a heparin         binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that         comprises (i) a minimum of one heparin binding motif, (ii) a         maximum of about ten heparin binding motifs, and (iii) a maximum         of about thirty amino acids.

For either of Formula I or II, the regions X and Z of the synthetic growth factor analogues include amino acid residues, and optionally the region Y includes amino acid residues. An amino acid residue is defined as —NHRCO—, where R can be hydrogen or any organic group. The amino acids can be D-amino acids or L-amino acids. Additionally, the amino acids can be α-amino acids, β-amino acids, γ-amino acids, or δ-amino acids and so on, depending on the length of the carbon chain of the amino acid.

The amino acids of the X, Y, and Z component regions of the synthetic growth factor analogues of the invention can include any of the twenty amino acids found naturally in proteins, e.g., alanine (Ala, A), arginine (Arg, R), asparagine (Asn, N), aspartic acid (Asp, D), cysteine (Cys, C), glutamic acid (Glu, E), glutamine (GIn, Q), glycine (Gly, G), histidine (His, H), isoleucine (Ile, I), leucine (Leu, L), lysine (Lys, K), methionine (Met, M), phenylalanine (Phe, F), proline (Pro, P), serine (Ser, S), threonine (Thr, T), tryptophan (Trp, W), tyrosine (Tyr, Y), and valine (Val, V).

Furthermore, the amino acids of the X, Y, and Z component regions of the synthetic growth factor analogues of the invention can include any of the naturally occurring amino acids not found naturally in proteins, e.g., 3-alanine, betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine), homoserine, homocysteine, y-amino butyric acid, ornithine, and citrulline.

Additionally, the amino acids of the X, Y, and Z component regions of the synthetic growth factor analogues of the invention can include any of the non-biological amino acids, i.e., those not normally found in living systems, such as for instance, a straight chain amino carboxylic acid not found in nature. Examples of straight chain amino carboxylic acids include 6-aminohexanoic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 9-aminononanoic acid, and the like.

For example Z may be selected from one of the following heparin binding sequences BBBxxB (SEQ ID NO 1), BxBB (SEQ ID NO 20) where each B is independently lysine, arginine, ornithine, or histidine and each x is independently a naturally occurring amino acid. Alternatively, Z may be RKRKLEGIAR (SEQ ID NO 2), RKRKLGRIAR (SEQ ID NO 3), RKRKLWRARA (SEQ ID NO 4), RKRLDRIAR (SEQ ID NO 5), RKRKLERIAR C (SEQ ID NO 6).

A synthetic growth factor analogue of one embodiment of the present invention, including those of Formulas I and II, provides that the X region is all or a portion, or a homolog of all or a portion, of any of the following amino acid sequences: AISMLYLDENEKVVL (SEQ ID NO:7), ISMLYLDENEKVVLKNY (SEQ ID NO:6), LYFDESSNVILKK (SEQ ID NO:9), LYVDFSDVGWNDW (SEQ ID NO:10), EKVVLKNYQDMVVEG (SEQ ID NO:11), CAISMLYLDENEKVVL (SEQ ID NO:12), AFYCHGECPFPLADHL (SEQ ID NO:13), PFPLADHLNSTNHAIVQTLVNSV (SEQ ID NO:14), VLYFDDSSNVILKKK (SEQ ID NO 15), SIKVAVAAK (SEQ ID NO 16), YRSRKYSSWYVALKRK (SEQ ID NO 17), WFLLTMAAK (SEQ ID NO 18), or KWIQEYLEKK (SEQ ID NO 19). In a preferred embodiment, the X region is the amino acid sequence ISMLYLDENEKVVLKNY (SEQ ID NO:8). More preferably, the X region is the amino acid sequence LYFDESSNVILKK (SEQ ID NO:9). More preferably still, the X region is the amino acid sequence AISMLYLDENEKVVL (SEQ ID NO:7).

The osteoconductive material comprises at least one of the compounds selected from a calcium salt, a collagen, a hydroxyapatite, a ceramic, and also includes demineralized bone matrix or other allograft material.

The osteoconductive material can be formed as a granule, a gel, a putty, a powder, a block, or a combination thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the synthetic BMP-2 compound is B2A2-K-NS.

In another embodiment, the calcium sulfate (CaS) of the osteoconductive material is less than about 80 wt % of the material. In a preferred embodiment the CaS is between about 30-80 wt % of the granule.

In yet another embodiment, the osteoconductive material contains inorganic material consisting of about 20-100 wt % HA and about 0-75 wt % TCP. In yet another embodiment, the osteoconductive material comprises CaS, PGA fibers, and PLG. PGA, PLA, and PLG are examples of synthetic polymers. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the osteoconductive material comprises silicate substituting a portion of the phosphate ions in the Hydroxyapatite lattice.

In another embodiment, the osteoconductive material comprises a natural polymer like collagen.

In another embodiment, the osteoconductive material comprises one or more compounds selected from allograft bone, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers.

In yet another embodiment, the osteoconductive materials is formed into granules, powders, gel, putty, or any combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, the osteoconductive material is used in combination with a load bearing device to treat bone lesions.

In a further embodiment, the load bearing device is selected from cages, wedges, rods, pedicle screws, vertebral body replacement, intervertebral body fusion device, and rings for bone fusion, for example a spine fusion.

In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises adding host bone chips (autograft) in combination with the osteoconductive material near the bone lesion. The autograft can be obtained from the iliac crest or from the ‘local’ area of surgery. For example, during lumbar spinal fusion surgery, the local bone can be obtained during a facetectomy and/or a laminectomy. The combined heparin binding growth factor coated on an osteoconductive material is combined with autograft and can be delivered to the site of spine fusion. The sites can be cervical or lumbar in nature. Furthermore, the surgical approaches can include PLF (posterolateral fusion), PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion), TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion), or others that are known to those skilled in the art. The methods can furthermore entail posterior fixation devices such as pedicle screws/rods and others that are known to those skilled in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for treating bone lesions. The method comprises providing a synthetic BMP-2 analogue peptide that is an amplifier/co-activator of endogenous BMP-2 to an osteoconductive material such that it is coated or bound to that material. The osteoconductive material and associated analogue is implanted in a bone lesion with subsequent release from the osteoconductive material. The active form of the analogue peptide augments endogenous BMP-2 to treat a bone lesion.

In still another embodiment, releasing the synthetic growth factor analogue from the osteoconductive material is rate controlled by manipulating the composition of the osteoconductive material, manipulating the amino acid composition, concentrating the synthetic BMP-2 peptide attached to the osteoconductive material, and/or controlling the calcium concentration in the osteoconductive material.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a kit. The kit comprises a vial of lyophilized vial of synthetic growth factor analogue, and separately a container of osteoconductive, inorganic granules. The kit is used to formulate an implantable material by hydrating the analogue with saline or water and mixing the resultant solution with the granules, whereupon analogue becomes attached to the granule. After discarding the solution, the granules with the attached analogue is then delivered to the bony lesion.

The following table describes heparin binding growth factor analogues and their biological activity that could promote bone formation when releasably attached to an osteoconductive matrix.

TABLE 1 Biological activity Host Sequence associated with bone Name Related to Sequence ID formation F2A Basic FGF SEQ ID 17 Angiogenesis B7A Bone SEQ ID NO 15 Binding to the BMP-7 Morphogenetic receptor; Protein - 7 co-activation with BMP-2 as a heterodimer B2A2-K-NS Bone SEQ ID NO 7 Binding to the BMP-2 Morphogenetic receptor; Protein - 2 co-activation of endogenous BMP-2 SD-2 Stromal Derived SEQ ID NO 19 Chemotaxis Factor - 1 LA-2 Laminin SEQ ID NO 16 Increase cell attachment, promote chemotaxis and angiogenesis VA5 Vascular SEQ ID NO 18 Increases endothelial angiogenesis growth factor

Embodiments of the present invention are further illustrated with the following examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Comparative Binding of B2A2-K-NS to Osteoconductive Bone Replacement Graft from Different Sources

An evaluation of several commercially available osteoconductive bone replacement grafts (BRGs) was performed to determine their binding and release characteristics of the BMP-2 amplifier/co-activator known as B2A2-K-NS.

First, the materials were placed into 0.9% saline and the pH recorded.

The next step was to determine whether the peptide was able to bind these BRGs. B2A2-K-NS (approximately 20 μg/ml) was incubated in one ml of 0.9% saline solution with 0.17 gram BRGs for 15 minutes. An ELISA assay was performed both on peptide solution without BRGs and the supernatant from the peptide+BRG. The difference between the peptide only reading and the supernatant from the peptide+BRG provided the amount of peptide bound.

The third step was to measure the amount of peptide released using the same ELISA assay. Briefly, the peptide bound BRGs were placed in 1 ml of 0.9% saline and the amount of peptide released was measured over a 72 hours period.

The data is summarized in the table below.

TABLE 2 Level of peptide Peptide Composition pH binding Released? 100% HA 6.6 High N/D 100% HA with 10.0 Intermediate Yes silicon substitutions 75:25 (HA:TCP) 7.5 Intermediate N/D 65:35 (HA:TCP) 7.3 None N/A 60:40 (HA:TCP) 8.8 High Yes 60:40 (HA:TCP) 6.3 High Yes 20:80 (HA:TCP) 6.5 High Yes 100% b-TCP 7.0 None N/A Triphasic: 9.0 High Yes HA, TCP, CaS (1% w/w) Triphasic: 10.5 High No HA, TCP, CaS (10% w/w) PGA fibers + ~9% 3.7 High No CaS + PLG

The binding definitions are defined as follows: None is no detectable binding. High is binding >20 μg peptide/cc graft material. Intermediate is less than 20 μg peptide/cc graft material, but above non-detectable binding. B2A2-K-N-S was found to bind to BRGs in the pH range of 3.7-10.5.

B2A2-K-NS was found to bind HA or HA/TCP containing BRGs ranging from 100% to 20% hydroxyapatite and from 80% to 25% tricalcium phosphate. B2A2-K-NS was found to bind HA/TCP/CaS BRG ranging from 0% to 10% calcium sulfate. B2A2-K-NS was found to bind a BRG that contains polyglycolic and polylactic acid combined with calcium sulfate.

A surprise finding was that materials that are similar in composition differ greatly in their ability to bind B2A2-K-NS. Whereas two 60:40 HA:TCP and one 75:25 HA:TCP BRGs were able to bind B2A2-K-NS, a 65:35 HA:TCP composition was unable to bind B2A2-K-NS.

The relative amounts of HA:TCP did not determine whether the peptide was released or not. For example, one 60:40 HA:TCP BRG released the peptide at “high” rates whereas the other 60:40 HA:TCP BRG released the peptide at “intermediate” rates. More importantly for release was the presence and quantity of CaS in the granule. B2A2-K-NS could not release from the biomaterial at acceptable levels at a CaS amount of ˜9-10%, but could release at a CaS concentration of 1%.

B2A2-K-NS could release from the biomaterial at acceptable levels from materials ranging from 75% to 20% hydroxyapatite and 80% to 25% tricalcium phosphate. The peptide could release from materials in the pH range of 6.3-10.

Example 2 Binding of B2A2-K-NS to Ceramic Granules

Methods. 1.5 cc of granules were added to 1.8 mL of 0.9% saline or of peptide solution in 0.9% saline having a concentration of 35.9, 119.8, 359.3 μg/ml. The granule-peptide solutions were swirled vigorously for 15 seconds every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. After swirling, the supernatant was removed, filtered through 0.22 μm filter (low protein binding durapore (PVDF)) and assayed via Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) or micro BCA assay (Pierce, Rockport, Ill.) for peptide content. The amount of peptide bound to the particles was obtained by subtraction method (the total peptide minus peptide present in the supernatant is equal to the amount of peptide bound on particulate materials.). The study was performed on two separate days and the results averaged below:

TABLE 3 B2A2-K-NS concentration B2A2-K-NS bound Granule (ug/ml) (%) 60:40^((pH 8.8)) (HA:TCP) 36 85 60:40^((pH 8.8)) (HA:TCP) 120 90 60:40^((pH 8.8)) (HA:TCP) 359 94 20:80 (HA:TCP) 36 67 20:80 (HA:TCP) 120 88 20:80 (HA:TCP) 359 95 100% HA + silicon 359 73 100% HA 230 87

The study demonstrates that a high percentage of B2A2-K-NS peptide is bound on materials that include 100% hydroxyapatite and biphasic compositions comprised of 20:80 and 60:40 (HA:TCP).

Example 3 Release of B2A2-K-NS from Ceramic Granules

Methods: After binding the peptide to the granules as described in Example 2, each of the vials containing particulate materials was replenished with 1.8 mL of 0.9% saline and placed on the rocking platform. After specified time interval, the supernatant was removed, filtered, and collected over a period of 43 hrs. Based on the amount of the peptide present in the supernatant, the amount of peptide bound to or released from the particles as was calculated. The study was performed on two separate days with the averages plotted showing cumulative peptide released vs. time (see graph in FIG. 1) (Note: the HA plus silicon was only performed at high dose). A BCA assay was utilized to determine peptide concentrations. The 60:40 granule was pH 8.8.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the release characteristics of specified materials tested. There was a burst of peptide released over a 4 hour period (supernatant was assessed hourly for the first four hours). At high loading doses (431 μg peptide/cc granule), the burst phase accounted for 12-22% of the total amount of peptide loaded. For intermediate loading doses (144 μg peptide/cc granule), the burst phase accounted for 25-35% of the total amount loaded. For low doses (43 μg peptide/cc granule), the burst phase accounted for 48-59% of the total amount loaded. Following the burst period, there was a slower, sustained release period.

FIG. 1 illustrates similarly shaped B2A2-K-NS peptide release curves for granules consisting of 100% hydroxyapatite and biphasic compositions comprising 20:80 and 60:40 HA:TCP (pH 6.3).

The diamond on the graph represents 60% HAP and 40% TCP (high dose). The square represents 60% HAP and 40% TCP (medium dose). The triangle represents 20% HAP and 80% TCP (high dose). The X represents 20% HAP and 80% TCP (medium dose). The star represents 100% HAP plus Si (high dose). The filled-in circle represents 60% HAP and 40% TCP (low dose), and the plus sign represents 20% HAP and 80% TCP (low dose).

Referring now to FIG. 2, the study was repeated using similar conditions as above using the high B2A2-K-NS dose. The granule size was 1-3 mm except for Pro-Osteon, which was ˜0.5 mm. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) standard curve was generated using the supernatant from the granules (without peptide). The B2A2-K-NS BCA value was corrected relative to the BSA standard curve.

FIG. 2 illustrates similarly shaped B2A2-K-NS peptide release curves for granules consisting of 100% hydroxyapatite (Pro-Osteon) and biphasic compositions comprising 20:80 and 60:40 HA:TCP (MBCP).

To those skilled in the art, it should be recognized that, to reproduce these results, the same volume of supernatant and the same number of collection points listed above should be utilized. Increasing the supernatant volume or increasing the number of supernatant collections over a given time period will likely increase the observed amount of peptide released. Conversely, decreasing the supernatant volume or decreasing the number of supernatant collections over a given time period will likely decrease the observed amount of peptide released. In addition, modification of the supernatant solution from 0.9% saline to water or another solvent will likely alter the total quantity released. Omitting the supernatant filtration will increase the recovered amount of peptide and increasing the swirling rate may increase the amount of peptide released. Performing the BSA standard curve with supernatant released from the granules may decrease the peptide quantity observed.

Example 4 Efflux of B2A2-K-NS from Ceramic Granules

The experiment described in Example 3 was repeated using 20:80 granules coated with 300 μg B2A2-K-NS/ml granules. 3 cc granules were used; 3.6 ml of 0.9% saline was collected at the time points to determine peptide release. Referring now to FIG. 3, a long-term cumulative B2A2-K-NS release over a period of 28 days is illustrated. The two curves show the amount of peptide released after filtration (squares) or prior to filtration (diamonds) of the supernatant. A 0.22 μm filter (low protein binding durapore PVDF) was utilized.

Example 5 Method used for Determination of Release of B2A2-K-NS from Granules

Peptide release from 20% HAP/80% TCP was determined using the following method. 1.5 cc of granules were added to 1.8 mL of 0.9% saline or of peptide solution in 0.9% saline having a concentration of 43, 143, or 431 μg B2A2-K-NS/cc granule. The granule-peptide solutions were swirled vigorously for 15 seconds every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. After swirling, the supernatant was removed and assayed via BCA or micro BCA assay for peptide content.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a similarly shaped release curve is generated for the same peptide at high dose (diamonds), medium dose (squares) and low dose (triangles) and illustrates that the peptide coating concentration affects the magnitude of the release.

Example 6 Comparative Binding of Synthetic Growth Factor Analogues to Ceramic Granules

In order to better determine the physical characteristics of peptide binding and release, several peptides were compared on a single scaffold. Although the other peptides tested were not co-activators of BMP-2, they share a similar structure in that they are branched, of a similar size, and contain a heparin binding domain.

Methods for assaying peptide release from a single scaffold are as follows: 1 cc of granules were added to 1.2 mL of 0.9% saline or of peptide solution in 0.9% saline having a concentration of 100 μg B2A2-K-NS, LA2, or F2A4/cc granule. The granule-peptide solutions were swirled vigorously for 15 seconds every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. After swirling, the supernatant was removed and assayed via BCA or micro BCA assay for peptide content. The BCA value for each peptide was corrected relative to the BSA standard curve.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the shape of the release curve is similar for all three peptides (B2A2-K-NS (diamonds), LA2 (squares), and F2A4-K-NS (triangles)). However, the magnitude of the release is markedly different. The following table shows the amino acid composition of each peptide.

TABLE 4 +charges Hydrophobic Aro- Length Peptide Incl. NH2 −charges incl. Ahx matic peptide MW LA2 10 1 18 0 30 3272 B2A2-K- 11 7 20 2 45 5344 NS F2A4 17 1 12 8 43 5540

The numbers of positive, negative, or hydrophobic amino acids for each peptide were similar and do not appear to account for the large differences in the observed release rates. Charge distribution of each peptide is illustrated in FIG. 6.

The charge distribution on the amino acid terminus is similar in all peptides and so this region would not be expected to contribute to the differences in release rates. One possible reason for why F2A4 does not release readily is the wide distribution of positive amino acids, which could interact with the negatively charged hydroxyapatite/TCP surface. The aromatic amino acids may help distribute the positive charges across a greater region of the peptide. The number of positive charges is not interrupted by any negative charges. In contrast, B2A2-K-NS has fewer positively charged groups and the positive charges are interrupted by negatively charged groups. The most rapidly released peptide, LA2, only has two amino acids at the very carboxyl terminus and these amino acids are bordered on one side by non-aromatic hydrophobic residues. The long region of non-aromatic hydrophobic domain located in the branched area of the peptide may also promote easy dislodging, as neither F2A4 or B2A2-K-NS has such an extensive hydrophobic region.

Example 7 Bioactivity of B2A2-K-NS Released from Ceramic Granules

Methods: (A) Peptide was collected over a six hour period after release from 20:80 (as described in Example 3). The supernatants from all time points were mixed, frozen, and lyophilized for 48 hours. The peptide pellet was reconstituted in 1.5 ml saline and a BCA assay performed to determine peptide concentration.

(B) Alkaline phosphatase assays were performed using mouse pluripotent cell lines C2C12. Cells were plated in 96-well (1×10⁴/well) plates in DMEM/F-12 Ham's containing 15% FBS, 1% L-gln, 1% NaPyr, and 1% gentamycin and allowed 24 hours to attach at 37 C, 5% CO₂, 90% humidity. The medium was then aspirated and replaced with a low-serum (5% FBS) medium containing B2A2-K-NS in various concentrations ranging from 1.25- to 10 μg/ml, with or without addition of BMP-2 (100 ng/ml). After 1 day, ALP activity was determined.

Results and conclusion: B2A2-K-NS peptide released from 20:80 increased BMP-2 activity, which demonstrated B2A2-K-NS activity after release from 20:80 granules.

Example 8 Binding of B2A2-K-NS to Collagen

Type I, bovine-derived, dermal collagen sheets that were crosslinked with DHT and lyophilized were incubated with 1,072 μg B2A2-K-NS/ml collagen sheet in 0.9% saline solution. The binding efficiency was 61%, which was far lower than the binding efficiency on the Ca²⁺ containing granules at high B2A2-K-NS coating concentrations (87-95% as described in Example 2). Lower binding efficiencies may be attributed to lower surface area as compared to that of the granules.

To initiate release, a vial containing collagen coated with B2A2-K-NS was replenished with 2 ml of 0.9% saline and placed on the rocking platform. After specified time interval, the supernatant was removed, filtered, and collected. A BCA assay was utilized to determine peptide concentrations. Hourly collections in 0.9% saline demonstrated that the cumulative amount of peptide released was 11, 19, 23, and 28% after 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours, respectively. The BSA standard curve was generated by placing BSA in supernatant from the collagen sponge (without peptide). The release rates from collagen were faster than the release rates from 20:80 using comparable conditions.

Example 9 Use of B2A2-K-NS/Ceramic Granules to Augment Posteriolateral Spinal Fusion in Rabbits

All procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care Use Committee. Skeletally mature New Zealand White Rabbits weighing 4.5-5.5 kg were individually caged and monitored daily for signs of pain and discomfort. All operative procedures were performed in a surgical suite using inhalation anesthesia and aseptic techniques. A pre-anesthetic dose of Ketamine HCl 2 6 mg/kg, Acepromazine Maleate 0.15 mg/kg, and Xylazine HCl 0.78 mg/kg was administered IM. Rabbits were masked and 1.5-2.5% isoflurane was delivered in O₂.

A single level posterolateral lumbar intertransverse process fusion (PLF) was performed in 60 rabbits, bilaterally at L4-L5, with autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest and differing doses of B2A2-K-NS. Rabbits were placed prone on the operating table and surgically prepped with 70% Betadine solution. A dorsal midline incision, approximately 15 centimeters long, was made from L1 to the sacrum and the soft-tissues overlying the transverse processes (TP) were dissected. The TPs were then decorticated with a high-speed burr.

The study consisted of the following materials (10 animals per treatment) placed between the transverse processes in the paraspinal bed (3 ml per side); the autograft group (consisting of morselized, cancellous bone graft); the open group (no graft material); the granule only group (no B2A2-K-NS coating concentration) (B2A2-K-NS/G 0 μg); the low coating concentration treated granule group (B2A2-K-NS/G 50 μg), the medium coating concentration treated granule group (B2A2-K-NS/G 100 pg) and the high coating concentration treated granule group (B2A2-K-NS/G 300 μg). All animals treated with granules contained approximately 50% autograft by volume. The granule used was 20:80 (HA:TCP).

Fascia and skin were closed with 3-0 Vicryl and then the skin was stapled. Cephalothin (13 mg/kg) was administered prior to surgery and twice a day for 5 days postoperatively. To insure the animals were comfortable, analgesics are administered based on the observation of the PI. Butorphanol (1-7.5 mg/kg IM q4) and Flunixin Meglumine (1.1 mg/kg IM q12) were given daily for 48 hours post-op. Euthanasia was performed at six weeks followed by radiographs and manual palpation by three blinded examiners to determine fusion. If one side was deemed fused by two out of three examiners then the spine was determined fused. All surgeons were also blinded to the treatment at the time of surgery. Fusion was also assessed via examination of radiographic plain films.

TABLE 5 Manual Palpation Radiographic Treatment fusion rate (%) fusion rate (%) Open 0 0 Autograft - positive 63 55 control B2A2-K-NS/G 0 33 66 B2A2-K-NS/G 50 78 88 B2A2-K-NS/G 100 89 89 B2A2-K-NS/G 300 80 80

The fusion rate for graft material augmented with each B2A2-K-NS dose was clearly higher than the autograft fusion rate.

The results clearly demonstrate that the B2A2-K-NS delivery kinetics and quantities are optimized to match the amount of host BMP-2 and to enhance its activity in this bony repair indication.

Example 10 Excipients Added to the Peptide as Bulking Agents

Excipients were added to the peptide as bulking agents, stabilizers, to prevent non-specific binding, etc. These excipients which did not interfere with peptide binding to the granules include the following:

(1) 0.9% saline (no excipients)

(2) 5.5% dextrose

(3) 5.5% dextrose +0.05% Tween 20

(4) 2% mannitol+0.1% dextrose+0.05% polysorbate 80

(5) 5.5% dextrose

(6) 4% mannitol +10 mM glycine

The resulting formulations were bound to 60:40 (HA:TCP) (pH 8.8) and 20:80 (HA:TCP) granules. All excipient containing formulations resulted in improved peptide binding to both materials as monitored by HPLC or colorimetric techniques as compared to formulations, which lacked excipients.

Example 11 Use of B2A2-K-NS/Ceramic Granules to Augment Instrumented Interbody Spinal Fusion in Sheep

B2A2-K-NS/ceramic granules (B2A2-K-NS/G) with or without 1:1 v/v morcelized ilicac crest bone where surgically implanted in the lumbar spines of sheep at L2-L3 and L4-L5 in Tetris® PEEK cages (Signus Medical, LLC). 100% morselized cancellous iliac autograft was used as a positive control material. For the experimental treatments, 50% of the appropriate treatment device and 50% morselized iliac cancellous graft were implanted. Treatments were performed according to a pre-defined randomization table and strictly according to the cage manufacturer's recommendations for device implantation. Morselized cancellous iliac crest was used for all autograft treatments (positive control). After fluoroscopic verification of the previously implanted cage, the two operative levels (L2-L3 and L4-L5) were then instrumented with the Silhouette™ polyaxial pedicle screw and rod system (Zimmer Spine, Inc.) using standard technique for pedicle preparation and screw placement. For wound closures, the muscle, subcutaneous layer, and skin were approximated with running and interrupted 1-0 Vicryl sutures and the skin closed with staples.

At four months for the B2A2-K-NS/G autograft group and six months for the B2A2-K-NS/G lacking autograft group, the animals were sacrificed and the following analyses were performed. Non-destructive biomechanical testing evaluated fusion of the motion segment, CT evaluated fusion within the cage and between the two endplates. Additionally, the quality of bone formed within the VBR (which may be protected from stresses) was assessed by destructive biomechanical testing.

The following definitions for fusion were utilized:

-   -   CT=At least two sagittal slices on the CT images demonstrated         evidence of contiguous bone from endplate to endplate without         sines of radiolucencies. Two of three blinded examiners had to         agree on the fusion status.     -   Non-destructive biomechanical testing=<3° motion in         flexion-extension

The following results are for B2A2-K-NS/G that was mixed 1:1 with autograft after 4 months.

TABLE 6 Fusion rate Fusion rate by non-destructive Treatment by CT (%) biomechanical testing Autograft 100 88 B2A2-K-NS/G 0 ug 63 88 B2A2-K-NS/G 50 ug 88 88 B2A2-K-NS/G 100 ug 88 100 B2A2-K-NS/G 300 ug 88 75 B2A2-K-NS/G 600 ug 75 88

The destructive testing demonstrated statistically comparable results among all treatments tested (autograft, B2A2-K-NS/G 0 μg B2A2-K-NS/G 50 μg, and B2A2-K-NS/G 100 μg) which indicated comparable bone quality among all groups. For B2A2-K-NS/G 100 μg that did not contain autograft after 6 months, the fusion rate was 86% by CT and 100% by non-destructive biomechanical testing.

The fusion rate for graft material augmented with B2A2-K-NS 2-K-NS dose (50-300) was comparable to the autograft fusion rate and higher than the graft material without the B2A2-K-NS coating. The results clearly demonstrate that the B2A2-K-NS delivery kinetics and quantities are optimized to match the amount of host BMP-2 and to enhance its activity in this bony repair indication.

Example 12 Use of B2A2-K-NS Granules with Exogenous Recombinant BMP-2 to Induce Ectopic Bone

Sterile ceramic granules (Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials, Inc.; 60:40 (HA:TCP)) where coated by immersing them for 30 minutes in a solution containing B2A2-K-NS (0-, 2.5-, 10-, 25 μg/m1). Thereafter, the solution was removed by aspiration and the granules allowed to air dry. The coated granules were then placed in sterile gelatin capsules. Immediately before subcutaneous implant in rats, the capsules were injected with a collagen-based gel (GFR-Matrigel) containing 1 82 g recombinant BMP-2. The capsules were placed subcutaneously in young adult rats on the flanks in pre-prepared pouches and the surgical site closed with surgical clips. After 30 days, the implants were surgically removed, weighed, and palpated to assess hardness. The explants were then fixed with multiple changes into 70% ethanol. The explants coated with 25 μg B2A2-K-NS had a significantly higher weight than controls (no BMP-2, no B2A2-K-NS), and tended (p=0.11) to have a higher weight than those containing BMP-2 but no B2A2-K-NS. All implants coated with 25 μg B2A2-K-NS were judged to be palpably hardened (4/4), whereas implants containing BMP-2 but no B2A2-K-NS had less hardening (1/4). Implants coated with 2.5 or 10 μg B2A2-K-NS were intermediate (3/4). Histological examination of the implants following staining with hematoxylin and eosin revealed new bone formation consistent with the palpation results. All implants coated with 25 μg B2A2-K-NS had histologically identifiable new bone (4/4), whereas implants containing BMP-2 but no B2A2-K-NS had less (1/4).

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and improvements may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference. 

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A synthetic growth factor analogue having the structure

wherein Hx is aminohexanoic acid. 